More about Cumbrae

Ideal for:

Outdoor adventure
Nature & wildlife

Ten minutes from the mainland and best explored by bike

Cumbrae is just a short hop from the mainland, and there's plenty to do once you're there. You can hire bikes at Millport, and cycle the ten-mile route round the island - taking in the beaches and coastal views. You'll be quieter on a bike, so you'll see more of the wildlife, which includes owls, polecats, kestrels, and the occasional sea eagle. You can also play a round of golf at Millport's 18 hole golf course while enjoying stunning views of the Firth of Clyde.

Cumbrae is great for kids, too - you can't miss the painted Crocodile Rock in the bay at Millport, and if you wait for low tide you can take them to sit on it, if they dare. There's a water sports centre, and you can also hire kayaks in Millport, if you fancy exploring some of the smaller islands in the bay. Keep an eye out for the island's festivals and events, which range from country and western music to a scooter rally.

How to get here

Take the ferry to Cumbrae from Largs. The journey takes 10 minutes. No advance booking is necessary on this route. Simply turn up at Largs ticket office, buy a ticket, and go on the next available sailing.

No car or bike? The bus meets every ferry, and takes you from Cumbrae's ferry slip to Millport.

Looking for the best form of travel to and from our ports? Our Public Transport Journey Planner can help you plot your journey from anywhere in the UK, using a wide range of public transport options e.g. ferry, train and bus.

We have also listed some travel information below that you may find useful:

Getting to Largs

From Glasgow

By car

Largs is about 32 miles from Glasgow, and it takes just under 50 minutes to drive. If you are travelling with an electric vehicle, two charging points are available on the island of Cumbrae outside the Royal George Hotel. Charging points are also available in Largs at the Largs Yacht Haven and the Vikingar Museum.

By train

The train from Glasgow to Largs takes 56 minutes. It's a short walk from the train station to the ferry terminal. Why not purchase a Rail and Sail ticket from Glasgow to Cumbrae?

From Ayr

By car

Largs Port is 33 miles from Ayr, and it takes about 50 minutes to drive.

Postcode for sat nav

Largs Port: KA30 8BG

By train

Get the train to Kilwinning, and change to a train for Largs. The journey takes about 70 minutes. Why not purchase a Rail and Sail ticket from Ayr to Cumbrae?

By bus

A number of bus operators run regular buses between both Glasgow and Ayr and Largs. Each journey takes around 1 hour 40 minutes. Once on the island, a bus meets every ferry to take you into the main town of Millport.

By foot

The Isle of Cumbrae has a circumference of 10.25 miles and has a number of easy walks taking between 2 - 4 hours with rewarding views across the Firth of Clyde and Bute. The walks also take you by Robertson Museum and Aquarium which highlights the indigenous marine life around the island. There is a small coffee shop too for those looking for a short rest and refreshments. For more information on walking, check out Millport on the Visit Scotland website.

By bike

Often referred to as Bicycle Island due to the amount of bikes available for hire. The Isle of Cumbrae is bikers dream location with its flat and easy to navigate routes around the island. The town of Millport has several cafes which are the ideal refreshment stop. For information on the most comprehensive cycle hire on the island check out Visit Scotland.

Note: Groups of cyclists should contact us in advance advising of preferred sailings, as space on some ferries may be limited

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Customer notice

The timetable information used is powered by
Traveline
and may not account for service changes, tidal amends or additional sailings. The information therefore may be subject to change. Please check the Service Status page before you travel.